Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary Equine Experience

Near Windhoek, Namibiafrom £910 (2 weeks)

Ref: AV111

This fantastic project, specifically designed for more experienced riders, is located at the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary and will enable participants to enjoy their love of horses in the surroundings of the beautiful sanctuary grounds. This sanctuary, just outside of Namibia's capital city Windhoek, provides a refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife including carnivores such as lions, leopard, cheetah and caracal; primates such as baboons and vervet monkeys; birds such as peacocks and vultures as well as various antelope, small mammals such as the meerkat and many other species including farm animals.

Duration & Fees

Please note: The currency conversion is an estimate based on today's exchange rates and is to be used as a guide only. All payments to Amanzi Travel have to be made in Pounds Sterling (GBP)

Start Dates

Volunteers can join at anytime throughout the year. We ask you to arrive on a Monday or Thursday if you would like your inclusive transfers. Volunteers can join on alternative days for a small additional fee.

This project is open over Christmas and New Year.

Payment

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

What's Included

Transfers to and from the Windhoek International Airport or Windhoek City on a Monday or Thursday

Orientation and support from the project staff

Accommodation and meals

What's not included

Return flights to and from Windhoek International Airport

Travel insurance to include cover for repatriation

Visas if required

Use of internet and telephone

Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks

The Equine Experience at the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

This new project, specifically designed for more experienced riders, is located at the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary and will enable participants to enjoy their love of horses in the surroundings of the beautiful sanctuary grounds. This sanctuary, just outside of Namibia's capital city Windhoek, provides a refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife including carnivores such as lions, leopard, cheetah and caracal; primates such as baboons and vervet monkeys; birds such as peacocks and vultures as well as various antelope, small mammals such as the meerkat and many other species including farm animals.

Volunteers, who may join at any time of the year for a minimum stay of two weeks, will spend their time working with the onsite horses. Mornings will be spent cleaning and feeding, training young and new horses, as well as taming and raising foals when needed. Training will involve the use of Natural Horsemanship and Parelli tactics. These strategies use playful work from the ground as well as longer training rides in the bush with the more experienced horses. From time to time there will be foals which will need halter training and introduction to human contact.

Afternoons will be spent feeding the horses, riding, trotting and galloping in the veldt on the sanctuary's reserve. Other activities may include herding and helping to fix and build strucures around the horse camps.

Combining the Equine Experience with the Wildlife Sanctuary Programme

Volunteers to this Equine Experience will have the option to combine their stay with one or more weeks at the Wildlife Conservation Project where they will work hands on with the many animals that have found a safe home there, including cheetahs, lions and leopards. At the Naankuse Wildlife sanctuary volunteers spend time interacting with and caring for the huge variety of sanctuary wildlife. For full details of the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary - Click Here

The minimum duration for this project is two weeks however volunteers can spend 1 week on the Equine Experience and 1 week on the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer Project if they would like - giving them the opportunity to not only work with the horses but the many animals and wildlife that have found a safe home at this fantastic sanctuary.

Free Time And Optional Excursions

Volunteers work a half day on Saturdays and are also free to rest and relax on Sundays once the animals have been fed. There is usually a Saturday activity that could be a nature walk across the farm, swimming in the pool or playing football or paintball. Evenings are mainly spent socialising around the braai (barbecue) and are a time to relax together - perhaps with a sun-downer. There may be the option on Sundays for a trip to Windhoek or perhaps spending the day relaxing at the luxury lodge with a tasty lunch! There may also be a chance to visit the Ancient San Skills Academy to learn about signs and tracks of the veldt, fire making with traditional San fire sticks, making bows and arrows, jewellery and craft making and hunting in the traditional San way. All activities are optional and there may be a small extra charge for some activities.

Another option is to add on a short tour to your volunteer project and see more of Namibia before going home. Namibia is a beautiful country with changing landscapes and it is possible to join a safari to the Etosha National Park, visit the coastal town of Swakopmund or even sandboard on the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei. Amanzi Travel can suggest many further options and can offer help with arranging such a trip.

Volunteering In Luxury

For those wanting to volunteer in style, it is possible to join this volunteer project and stay in the luxury lodge on site. Breakfast and lunch will be taken with the all the volunteers but dinner will be up at the luxury lodge. Check out the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary Luxury Lodge.

Please contact Amanzi Travel for the price of volunteering at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary with accommodation at the luxury lodge.

A Little Bit Of Luxury?

Have you thought about treating yourself to a night or two of luxury at the end of your project? This is the perfect haven to unwind and indulge yourself before heading home. Take a look at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary Luxury Lodge to see if you're tempted.

A Perfect Way To Explore More Of Africa

Before heading straight back home, why not take an Overland Journey through Africa to explore more of the wonderful sights and experiences that this beautiful continent has to offer. You can take a trip that starts and finishes in the same city (eg Windhoek to Windhoek) or you can use it as an opportunity to get your from one city to another (eg Cape Town to Nairobi).

“This has got to be the best way to see Africa in a short period of time ... brilliant. The guides were fantastic, the campsites great, and the food excellent. The overland trip was excellent - really well run” Southern Sun 21 days, Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Jennie and Stuart, Sweden, aged 32 and 34.

“I didn’t know I could become such close friends with people in just a week. The trip attracts a great group of people who are so easy to get along with. My group ranged from 20 to 70 and we all sat down with a drink, played cards together and just gathered around the campfire. It was an experience of a lifetime and I will definitely recommend this to my friends and family” Tanzanian Game Parks and Zanzibar, 10 Days and Masai Mara Safari, 3 Days - Sara, Canada/Malaysia, aged 20.

From 3 days to 56 days, take a look at the exciting Overland Trips here.

Support And Orientation

Support and advice is available from Amanzi Travel office staff and project/trip leaders. Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive pre-departure pack that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip to Africa. This document includes information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, packing checklist and medical advice and if you have any questions that are not answered in the pack we are always on hand to help and advise. We will do all we can to ensure that you are well prepared and looking forward to your trip to Africa. You will also receive an in country orientation on arrival.

A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency contact number is provided for everyone who travels with us.

Amanzi Travel holds an ATOL licence (9401) and is able to arrange your flights on request giving you financial protection for your flight and trip costs. We also offer advice on personal travel insurance for your trip.

Getting There

Volunteers should fly into Windhoek International Airport where they will be met on arrival and transferred to the project (approximately 45 minutes). Volunteers can be taken back to the airport for their departure flight or into Windhoek Town if they are joining another trip with Amanzi Travel or have onward travel plans. Volunteers should aim to arrive on a Monday or Thursday when transfers are included. A charge of £45 is made for transfers for volunteers who arrive on non-transfer days.

Amanzi Travel holds an ATOL licence and can make any flight arrangements upon request.

A perfect way to explore more of Africa

Before heading straight back home, why not take an Overland Journey through Africa to explore more of the wonderful sights and experiences that this beautiful continent has to offer. You can take a trip that starts and finishes in the same city (eg Windhoek to Windhoek) or you can use it as an opportunity to get your from one city to another (eg Cape Town to Nairobi).

“This has got to be the best way to see Africa in a short period of time ... brilliant. The guides were fantastic, the campsites great, and the food excellent. The overland trip was excellent - really well run”Southern Sun 21 days, Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Jennie and Stuart, Sweden, aged 32 and 34.

“I didn’t know I could become such close friends with people in just a week. The trip attracts a great group of people who are so easy to get along with. My group ranged from 20 to 70 and we all sat down with a drink, played cards together and just gathered around the campfire. It was an experience of a lifetime and I will definitely recommend this to my friends and family”Tanzanian Game Parks and Zanzibar, 10 Days and Masai Mara Safari, 3 Days - Sara, Canada/Malaysia, aged 20.

From 3 days to 56 days, take a look at the exciting Overland Trips here.

Support and Orientation

Support and advice is available from Amanzi Travel office staff and project/trip leaders. Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive pre-departure pack that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip. This document includes information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, packing checklist and medical advice and if you have any questions that are not answered in the pack we are always on hand to help and advise. We will do all we can to ensure that you are well prepared and looking forward to your trip. You will also receive an in country orientation on arrival.

A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency contact number is provided for everyone who travels with us.

Amanzi Travel holds an ATOL licence (9401) and is able to arrange your flights on request giving you financial protection for your flight and trip costs. We also offer advice on personal travel insurance for your trip.

The sanctuary offers two clean and comfortable accommodation options: volunteer rooms shared by up to three people (single sex) or large tents with a living and bedroom area which are shared by up to three people. Twin tents are also available for couples or friends. The rooms are basic but the beds are comfortable and bedding (duvets and pillows) are provided. There are communal showers and toilet facilities with hot water supplied by solar energy which is sometimes restricted. A few of the tents have basic en-suite facilities at the back of the tent. Power sockets for electrical items are available in communal areas.

Depending on availability we may be able to offer one of the tents on a single occupancy basis for those who would like private accommodation on their own. There is a small additional fee for this. To find out more please contact gemma@amanzitravel.co.uk

Three balanced meals are provided each day on a self-serve basis. At weekends there is often a braai (barbecue). Vegetarian options are available on request. Breakfast typically consists of cereals and toast, lunch is typically pasta, stir-fry, burgers or wraps and there is a cooked evening meal - with meat or fish, vegetables and potatoes, pasta or rice.

Volunteers with special dietary needs should ensure they include these on their applicaiton form when booking or contact Amanzi Travel before they travel.

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

Why visit Namibia?

Namibia is one of those dreamlike places that makes one question whether something so visually fabulous could actually exist. It is characterised by vast open spaces, with breathtaking scenery and great contrasts – ocean, dunes, mountains and deserts. A predominantly arid country, Namibia can be divided into four main regions. The Namib Desert and vast plains of the Skeleton Coast in the west; the eastward-sloping Central Plateau; the Kalahari desert along the borders with South Africa and Botswana; and the densely wooded bushveld of the Kavango and Caprivi regions – a magical undeveloped oasis of waterways and wildlife, providing abundant game and birdlife viewing opportunities. Despite its harsh climate, Namibia has some of the world’s grandest national parks, ranging from the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, to the dune fields and desert plains of the Namib-Naukluft Park. The Namib-Naukluft Park is superb for hiking, with a number of spectacular trails. It is also home to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei - said to be the highest in the world - and the fascinating Sesriem Canyon. Windhoek is the country’s geographical heart and commercial nerve centre, with an ethnic mix of people, while surfers, anglers and beach-lovers won’t want to miss Swakopmund, with its lively entertainment and sporting activities.

Highlights

Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s finest parks, both in size and diversity of wildlife.

The Namib-Naukluft Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the largest in the world.

Two spectacular deserts - the Kalahari and Namib - each with distinctive wildlife and scenery.

The Namib, at 80 million years, is the world's oldest desert. Namib means “open space”.

Stunning Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon – it is 161km long, up to 27km wide and 550m deep.

Sossusvlei are said to be the highest sand-dunes in the world.

Superb birding and good fishing is available from the banks of the Kavango and Kunene Rivers on the northern border.

Popular self-drive destination with excellent infrastructure.

Largely malaria-free.

More than 300 days of sunshine per year.

Climate

Seasons

Max

Min

Summer/wet (October - April)

40 °C

20 °C

Winter/dry (May - September)

25 °C

0 °C

Rainfall: October – December “little rains”, January to April more stormy period

The winter months (May - September) range from 25 to 30°C during the day but night temperatures may drop to below freezing. June to August is the dry season with very little rain. This can be a good time for game viewing as wildlife converge at the waterholes.

The summer months (October - April) can reach highs of over 40°C and nights in the 20°C range (in the arid central Namib Desert temperatures can fall to below freezing during the night). This is a summer rainfall area, but overcast and rainy days are few and far between. Welcome thundershowers may occur in the late afternoon, bringing relief to flora and fauna. In October and November, large herds of blue wildebeest, zebra, springbok and oryx migrate from the Namutoni area to Okaukuejo, where they remain until May.

Rainfall is heaviest in the northeast, which enjoys a sub-tropical climate, and reaches over 600mm annually along the Okavango River. The northern and interior regions experience ‘little rains’ between October and December, while the main stormy period occurs from January to April.

Before starting my journey to Namibia, I was very anxious as I had never done anything this this before and had never travelled alone before. Gemma was quick to help settle the nerves by answering any queries that I had promptly and helped keep me informed all the way up until I departed. When I arrived at the Sanctuary, all of the staff were really friendly and helped me settle in quickly. The experiences that I had there are something that I never thought I would have done in my life and I can safely say that it was the trip of a lifetime. (especially the baboon walk!) My only issue was I only went for 2 weeks! The work that is done at the sanctuary is truly amazing and the staff make you feel part of it by involving the volunteers in all aspects of life at the sanctuary, whether it be providing enrichment to the animals or helping to build enclosures for new arrivals. I would highly recommend going to Naankuse and also booking through Amanzi as their customer service and helpful guidance helped put me at ease and make the whole experience a lot less stressful and enjoyable. I definitely plan on returning to Naankuse and Amanzi Travel in the near future!

Jordan, Scotland, aged 24

A wonderful two weeks away arranged by Gemma. Nothing was too much trouble for her - I constantly emailed her questions which she promptly and politely replied to. Naankuse was a little luxury in Namibia, but the work they do for animals, children and San people is amazing. The Namibian Highlights tour was really fun and the accommodation and food standards way above our expectations. Our driver, Gideon was very professional and informative.

Mary and Family of 13, UK (Namibia Short Tour and Naankuse Lodge)

"We certainly were making a difference to the conservation of all the beautiful animals and they made us feel like our help was very well appreciated and needed"

«If any one wants to book a volunteer project I strongly recommend Amanzi travel. The service was excellent and i had an absolutely amazing trip to namibia. Thank you all at amanzi.»

Angela, UK, Naankuse Big Cat Conservation and Etosha Short Tour

«

I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Thank you for your great support. Thank you for answering all my questions. Thank you for planning my volunteer trip and my stay at the N/a'an ku se lodge with all personal wishes that I have. Thank you for the best experience I had in my life until now! :) Everything was perfect and just the way I hoped it would be. The staff was very caring and friendly (at the volunteer camp and at the lodge). I learned a lot about African animals, endangered species, the bushmen culture and much more.

Someday I'll return to the sanctuary and I would always book the trip with you again.

»

Viola, Germany, Naankuse Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

«Stop thinking about it and book it. The most amazing and wonderful experience of my life. Where else would you be able to sleep with baby baboons, walk with cheetahs and wake as the sun rises with the roar of lions beneath you. This wasn't a holiday if was a life changing experience. GO FOR IT !!!!»

Jeannette, UK, Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

«Amanzi Travel helped me plan a really great experience for my first time volunteering. The projects were rewarding as well as informative and has made me appreciate what life is like in Africa for both humans and animals. Gemma was on hand right up until I left for my trip, even during Christmas holidays, answering no end of questions I had. I felt comfortable going into the unknown with Amanzi behind me incase anything didn't go to plan. I would especially recommend Amanzi Travel if its your first time as they have all the knowledge and experience to help you prepare for your big adventure. Thank you!»